Is it time to get real with our clients about nail damage?

This topic was originally brought up on Salon Geek, by someone I really look up to and admire a great deal, Gigi Rouse. It really made me re-think my explanation to clients about the long term effects of wearing nail products.

Anytime we have a client for a gel polish or enhancement service, the first thing they ask  is "Will this ruin my nails like (insert other service they're not having)?" And we all come to the rescue of our accused products and methods with "It's not the tools, it's the fools", and in many cases, "That's only if you go to the chop shop." We can become a little defensive. When really our client is just asking, what will happen to her nails? What is the consequence of this service?

I want to explain what I mean by damage. I'm not talking about rings of fire from over-aggressive filing, or bacterial infections due to lifting, or dirty tools, etc. This is completely unacceptable. I'm talking about the change that happens to the natural nail when product is applied or removed.

To refer again to the Hair Industry, because I really think they represent the direction in which our industry needs to go; Hair Stylists do not apologize for, or ignore, the fact that chemical services 'compromise' the integrity of the hair. They simply sell the client the necessary home care items to minimize the damage and reiterate the importance of letting a professional do your hair. Women happily accept that if they want to have hair color service, they need to use conditioner at home.

Perhaps if we were more realistic with our clients about the fact that nails do become dehydrated after extended wear of any nail product, clients would take our home care recommendation of daily cuticle oil use more seriously. And they would keep up with their appointments and begin to see the difference between a professional service and just walking into any old discount salon for their nails.

Part of the problem is that for years Manufacturers have been telling us that nail products cause no damage to the nail when applied and cared for properly. I think they're referring to the above-mentioned damage. But the nail is dehydrated before application of any product. And the continued 2 or 3 week wear of a nail coating does trap moisture and cause temporary softening of the nail. To say that the nail is in exactly the same condition after this is unrealistic. And when clients see this for themselves over time, we as Nail Technicians begin to appear either in denial, or at worst, intentionally deceptive. Either one is not a good impression. And I think this is the number one reason women give up on enhancement services.

I can already say that being more straight-forward with my clients about the effect that wearing nail products will have, and the fact that it's temporary and can be minimized with good home care, has earned me a lot of respect. And you'd be surprised how nonchalant they are. They're re-assured that you're aware of the risk and have the tools to combat it.

So just try it, the next time a client asks you "Does this product damage my nail?" Just shrug your shoulders and say "They'll be dehydrated but you just need to use cuticle oil every day." Your client will appreciate your honesty.